Wilander on Nadal: "He's always refused to take the easy way out".

Mats Wilander, multiple Grand Slam winner and now a highly respected consultant, has published a column for L'Équipe in which he reflects on Rafael Nadal's brilliant career, which has just come to an end.

Wilander recalls the sporting spirit and unfailing determination of the King of clay: "Of course, he knew he could lose, but he always refused to take the easy way out. Like: 'Okay, I'm feeling a bit tired today, so I'll shorten the points.' I've never seen him act like that.

The perfect example is the French Open played in October (2020), on a clay surface that was supposed to put him at a disadvantage. But unlike some of the matches he played in May, he didn't lose his grip. The playing conditions never fazed him. Cold or not, he followed his guiding principle.